Lance Mackey was in his element. Surrounded by women, talking, laughing, signing autographs—as two-time defending champion, this was where he wanted to be on this cool summer day: at the sign-up for the 2009 Iditarod Trail Dog Sled Race. And this is where these women—and one man!—wanted to be as well. As attendees of the Idita-Summer Camp for Educators, they were at Iditarod Headquarters in Wasilla, Alaska to watch Lance and his fellow mushers step up to the registration table and sign in.
This is a great place to talk, schmooze, get autographs, and just generally bask in the excitement of seeing the best mushers in the world all in one place. The atmosphere is relaxed and yet festive. There is none of the pressure and anxiety of the race itself. Here these men and woman were available and willing to chat, pose for pictures, sign autographs, and answer questions of the conference attendees. They were, in fact, eager to do so-these are their fans, not many of whom make it all the way to Alaska to meet them personally. It is a rare opportunity for all involved.
This is only one of the wonderful moments in the week of sights, sounds and activities of the Idita-Summer Camp for Educators, one of two conferences offered each year by the Iditarod Education Department.
The Iditarod is an event that is so magical that it captures the hearts and minds of students, teachers, race fans, and mushers alike. It is an exciting and unique event that can be used as a theme of instruction to teach standards-based lessons in every academic area. For those attending, it is a rare opportunity to experience first-hand the “magic” of “The Last Great Race on Earth.” During this weeklong conference, participants had the opportunity to meet and hear the stories of volunteers, veterinarians, race fans, authors, and, of course, mushers and their dogs.
Over the next few days, I will be posting articles that will give you a glimpse of this wonderful conference and the world of dogsled racing in Alaska. Come along and experience the magic with us!
